Vibration filtering device

Abstract

The invention relates to a filtration device (1) for low-pressure vibratory filtration of a liquid, comprising one or more filtration modules (2), each filtration module comprising: a) a volume chamber (3) comprising a feed inlet (5) and a retentate outlet (7) for the liquid to be filtered; b) a drain chamber (4) in fluid connection with the volume chamber (3) and comprising a permeate outlet (6); c) a semipermeable membrane (8) separating the volume chamber from the drain chamber, allowing one or more components (permeate) of the liquid to pass from the volume chamber (3) to the drain chamber while retaining one or more components (retentate) of the liquid in the volume chamber (3); d) one or more flexible wall elements (9) located distal to at least one end of the volume chamber (3), where the flexible wall elements are impermeable but are in contact on one side with the liquid to be filtered and on the other side with the external atmospheric environment, thereby separating the liquid from the external atmospheric environment; wherein the volume chamber (3) and the semi-permeable membrane are configured to allow liquid in the volume chamber (3) to move on the surface of the semi-permeable membrane when the filtration module (2) is subjected to vibrational movement; wherein the volume chamber (3) and the flexible wall element are configured to expand or contract the flexible wall element, the expansion or contraction being determined by the pressure of the liquid exerted on the flexible wall element when the filter module is subjected to a vibratory movement; and wherein the filter device further comprises a vibration motor (17) having a container (18) for mounting the filter module (2), the vibration motor (17) being configured to provide a vibration movement to the filter module (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure describes a filtration device for continuous vibration and low-pressure filtration. Also described herein is a method of using the filtration device to filter a liquid and thereby separate components of the liquid into a permeate while retaining other components in a retentate. Background Art

[0002] Vibratory filtration devices are known from WO2018145714, WO2022157133 or WO2022171615 (all assigned to SaniMembranes). However, all of these devices rely on suppressing the vibratory motion of the liquid to be filtered by using an inflatable pad. The production technology of such vibratory filtration devices is complex because they require not only a tight seal of the inflatable pad relative to the liquid to be filtered but also a tight seal of the gas within the pad. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In this background art, the object of the present disclosure is to describe a filtration device that has a simplified modular structure, has optimized free-flow filtration capabilities, and is capable of maintaining a high throughput at low pressure during a vibration-driven filtration process. The inventors have now found that, particularly for filtration at lower pressures in the liquid to be filtered, the inflatable pads of the prior art vibratory filtration devices can be replaced by elastic wall elements that separate the liquid to be filtered from the external atmospheric environment, wherein the elastic wall elements are capable of stretching and contracting so as to withstand overpressure and underpressure in the liquid to be filtered caused by the vibratory motion.

[0004] Thus, in a first aspect, described herein is a filtration device (1) for low-pressure vibratory filtration of a liquid, comprising one or more filtration modules (2), each filtration module comprising:

[0005] a) a volume chamber (3) that includes an inlet (5) for the liquid to be filtered and an outlet (7) for the retentate;

[0006] b) a drainage chamber (4) that is fluidly connected to the volume chamber (3) and includes an outlet (6) for the permeate;

[0007] c) a semi-permeable membrane (8) that separates the volume chamber from the drainage chamber, allowing one or more components of the liquid (permeate) to flow from the volume chamber to the drainage chamber while retaining one or more components of the liquid (retentate) in the volume chamber;

[0008] d) one or more flexible wall elements (9) located at the distal end of at least one end of the volume chamber, wherein the flexible wall element is impermeable and is in contact with the liquid to be filtered on one side and with the external atmospheric environment on the other side, thereby separating the liquid from the external atmospheric environment; and wherein the volume chamber and the semi-permeable membrane are configured such that when the filtration module is subjected to a vibratory motion, the liquid in the volume chamber is allowed to move on the surface of the semi-permeable membrane; wherein the volume chamber and the flexible wall element are configured to stretch or contract the flexible wall element, the stretching or contraction being determined by the pressure of the liquid applied to the flexible wall element when the filtration module is subjected to a vibratory motion.

[0009] In another aspect, a method for filtering a liquid and separating one or more components (permeate) of the liquid from one or more other components (retentate) of the liquid is described herein, comprising: feeding the liquid into the filtration device of the present disclosure, applying a vibratory motion to the filtration module contained in the filtration device, and collecting the separated retentate and permeate.

[0010] The inertia of the retentate will counteract the movement of the filtration module during the vibratory motion, thereby flushing the surface of the semi-permeable membrane by the retentate, which will keep the semi-permeable membrane clean, thereby ensuring continuous pollution-free filtration with minimal energy.

[0011] The filtration device of the present invention can be used for operations such as fine filtration, microfiltration, and ultrafiltration of liquids using a semi-permeable membrane, where the membrane is typically subjected to a tangential flow of the feed fluid. The filtration device is useful in operations that require robust, hygienic, and fouling-resistant continuous filtration, and the filtration device can be configured to filter various fluid volumes, such as volumes as small as about 100 mL and scalable to filter larger volumes, such as 100 m3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The figures included herein are illustrative and have been simplified for clarity, and they only show the details essential for understanding the present invention, while other details may have been omitted. Throughout the specification, claims, and drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components. Included in the drawings and figures are:

[0013] Figure 1 A cross-section of a first embodiment of a flat filtration module made of two adapted half-plates is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 A top view of the first filtration module embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 A bottom view of the first filtration module embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 4Shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of a flat filtration module made of two adapted half-plates.

[0017] Figure 5 Shows a cross-section of a third embodiment of a flat filtration module made of three assembled plates.

[0018] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Shows an arrangement for connecting the flat filtration module to a vibration motor and providing a vibrating motion.

[0019] Figure 8 Shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of a tubular filtration module.

[0020] Figure 9 Shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of a tubular filtration module.

[0021] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Shows an arrangement for connecting the tubular filtration module to a vibration motor and providing a vibrating motion.

[0022] Figure 12 Shows a perspective view of a filtration device of a filter plate assembly.

[0023] Figure 13 Shows a cross-section of a filtration device of a filter plate assembly.

[0024] Figure 14 Shows a perspective view of a plurality of filter plates in a filter plate assembly.

[0025] Figure 15 Shows another perspective view of a plurality of filter plates in a filter plate assembly.

[0026] Incorporated by reference

[0027] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference to the extent that each individual publication, patent, or patent application is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. If a term in this document conflicts with a term in an incorporated reference, the term in this document shall prevail. Detailed Description

[0028] From the following detailed description of the embodiments and examples of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can clearly understand the features and advantages of the present invention.

[0029] The filtration device (1) for low-pressure vibration filtration of liquids described herein includes one or more filtration modules (2), each filtration module including:

[0030] a) A volume chamber (3), which includes a feed inlet (5) for the liquid to be filtered and a retentate outlet (7);

[0031] b) A drainage chamber (4), which is fluidly connected to the volume chamber (3) and includes a permeate outlet (6);

[0032] c) A semi-permeable membrane (8), which separates the volume chamber from the drainage chamber, allows one or more components of the liquid (permeate) to pass from the volume chamber to the drainage chamber, while retaining one or more components of the liquid (retentate) in the volume chamber;

[0033] d) One or more flexible wall elements (9), located at the distal end of at least one end of the volume chamber, where the flexible wall elements are impermeable, but in contact with the liquid to be filtered on one side and in contact with the external atmospheric environment on the other side, thus separating the liquid from the external atmospheric environment; and

[0034] wherein the volume chamber and the semi-permeable membrane are configured to allow the liquid in the volume chamber to move across the surface of the semi-permeable membrane when the filtration module is subjected to a vibratory motion; wherein the volume chamber and the flexible wall elements are configured to stretch or contract the flexible wall elements according to the pressure of the liquid applied to the flexible wall elements when the filtration module is subjected to a vibratory motion.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the filtration module is as described in WO2022157133 which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] In one embodiment, the volume chamber (3-1) of the filtration device is flat and formed between two or more components (10 and 11), and the semi-permeable membrane (8) is planar. More specifically, in this embodiment

[0037] a) The filtration module (2-1) includes at least two fitting components, and the components (10-1) and (11-1) are configured to be joined along the edges to together form a flat volume chamber (3-1);

[0038] b) The component (10-1) includes the feed inlet (5-1) at one end and the retentate outlet (7-1) at the opposite end;

[0039] c) The component (10-1) further includes at least two flexible wall elements (9), which are flush with the plane of the flat volume chamber and are spaced apart, for example, respectively located at each end of the (distal end) of the volume chamber and near the feed inlet (5-1) and the retentate outlet (7-1). Thus, when the filtration module (2-1) is subjected to a vibratory motion, the flexibility of the wall elements allows the liquid to be filtered in the volume chamber (3-1) to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1);

[0040] d) The component (11-1) includes the permeate outlet (6-1) and the drainage chamber (4-1), and the flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1) covers the drainage chamber (10-1) and is fluid-tightly sealed between the drainage chamber (4-1) and the volume chamber (3-1); and

[0041] The filtration device further includes a vibration motor (17-1) having a container (18-1) for mounting the filtration module (2-1), and the vibration motor (17-1) is configured to provide a vibrating motion to the filtration module (2-1).

[0042] In another additional or alternative embodiment of the filtration device

[0043] a) The filtration module (2-1) includes at least two fitting components, and the components (12-1) and (13-1) are configured to be joined along the edge to together form a flat volume chamber (3-1);

[0044] b) The component (12-1) includes the feed inlet (5-1) at one end and the retentate outlet (7-1) at the opposite end, and is located between the flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1) and the drainage chamber (4-1);

[0045] c) The flat semi-permeable membrane surface (11-1) forms one side of the volume chamber and is located on top of the drainage chamber (4-1), and the top of the drainage chamber is located in the cavity of the component (12-1), and this cavity is connected to the permeate outlet (6-1);

[0046] d) The flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1) is sealed along the edge and joined to the component (12-1);

[0047] e) The component (13-1) includes at least two flexible wall elements (9), the flexible wall elements are flush with the flat volume chamber plane and are spaced apart, for example at the far ends of each end of the volume chamber, so that when the filtration module (2-1) is subjected to a vibrating motion, the flexibility of the wall elements allows the liquid to be filtered in the volume chamber (3-1) to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1);

[0048] f) The component (12-1) includes the permeate outlet (6-1), the drainage chamber (4-1) and the flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1), the flat semi-permeable membrane covers the drainage chamber (4-1) and is fluid-tightly sealed between the drainage chamber (4-1) and the volume chamber (3-1); and

[0049] The filtration device further includes a vibration motor (17-1) having a container (18-1) for mounting the filtration module (2-1), and the vibration motor (17-1) is configured to provide a vibrating motion to the filtration module (2-1).

[0050] In a further additional or alternative embodiment of the filtration device

[0051] a) The filtration module (2-1) includes at least two flat volume chambers (3-1), each volume chamber being configured with one or more drainage chambers (4-1) and one or more planar semi-permeable membranes (8-1), the planar semi-permeable membranes separating the volume chamber from the drainage chamber and allowing one or more components of the liquid (permeate) to pass from the volume chamber to the drainage chamber while retaining one or more components of the liquid (retentate) in the volume chamber;

[0052] b) The filtration module (2-1) includes three mating parts, part 14-1, part 15-1 and part 16-1; part 16-1 is located between part 14-1 and part 15-1;

[0053] c) Each of parts 14-1 and 15-1 includes a feed inlet (5-1), a retentate outlet (7-1), two flexible wall elements (9-1), a planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1), a drainage chamber (4-1) and a permeate outlet (9-1);

[0054] d) Part 16-1 includes a feed inlet (5-1), a retentate outlet (7-1), two planar semi-permeable membranes (8-1), two drainage chambers (10-1) and a permeate outlet (9-1);

[0055] e) The surface of the planar semi-permeable membrane (11-1) forms one side of the volume chamber (3-1) and is located on top of the drainage chamber (4-1) and is connected to the permeate discharge port (9-1);

[0056] f) The planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1) is sealed along the edges and is joined to parts 14-1, 15-1 and 16-1;

[0057] g) The flexible wall elements (9) are flush with the plane of the flat volume chamber and are spaced apart, for example at the far ends of each end of the volume chamber, so that when the filtration module (2-1) is subjected to a vibrating motion, the flexibility of the wall elements allows the liquid to be filtered in the volume chamber (3-1) to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1);

[0058] h) The planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1) covering the drainage chamber (10-1) is fluid-tight between the drainage chamber (10-1) and the volume chamber (5-1); and

[0059] The filtration device further includes a vibration motor (17-1) having a container (18-1) for mounting the filtration module (2-1), and the vibration motor (17-1) is configured to provide a vibratory motion to the filtration module (2-1).

[0060] Each flexible wall element (9) further includes a flexible gasket (19-1) that seals the flexible wall element (9) to the volume chamber.

[0061] The filtration device employs a flat volume chamber that has at least two mating and generally different halves that form the flat volume chamber, thereby simplifying the filtration module structure, having optimized free-flow filtration capabilities, and being able to maintain high throughput during continuous low-pressure and vibration-driven filtration processes, while having a wide range of scaled sizes and being able to filter very small volumes as well as large volumes of fluid using the same general structure. This simple structure is achieved using a limited number of components, allowing the same structure to be used for various device sizes corresponding to feeds of very small volumes as well as much larger volumes. The flexible wall elements are elastic and can accommodate the movement of the liquid to be filtered caused by the vibratory motion and liquid inertia, thereby allowing the liquid to be filtered to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the semipermeable membrane. Another significant advantage is that filtration data obtained from small test volumes using the filtration device of the present invention can be easily extrapolated to much larger industrial-type volumes using a scaled-up version of the filtration device. The filtration device with a flat volume chamber is easy to handle and move and can be easily interfaced with other process equipment.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, the filtration module is as described in WO2022171615, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] In an additional or alternative embodiment, the volume chamber (3-2), the drainage chamber (4-2), and the semipermeable membrane (8-2) are all or partially tubular (16-2). More specifically, in this embodiment

[0064] a) Each said tubular volume chamber (3-2) can be wholly or partly surrounded by a tubular semipermeable membrane that is wholly or partly surrounded by the drainage chamber (4-2);

[0065] b) At least two flexible wall elements (9-2) are located at the distal ends of each end of said one or more volume chambers;

[0066] c) The feed inlet (5-2) and the retentate outlet (7-2) are located at the distal ends of the ends of the tubular volume chamber (3-2) and are close to the two flexible wall elements (9-2); and the filtration device further includes a vibration motor (17-2) having a container (18-2) for mounting the filtration module (2-2), and the vibration motor (17-2) is configured to provide a vibratory motion to the filtration module (2-2). In this embodiment, the filtration device may further include a retentate channel (21-2). In addition, in this embodiment, the filtration device may further include a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump, and an axial flow pump for pumping the permeate and / or the retentate away from the filtration module (2-2). A useful example of such a pump is a peristaltic pump. In addition, in this embodiment, each of the two flexible wall elements (9-2) may include a flexible gasket (19-2) that seals the two flexible wall elements (9-2) to the volume chamber. In addition, in this embodiment, the cross-section of the volume chamber (3-2) and / or the drain chamber (4-2) may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal, such as triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, or hexagonal, and the semi-permeable membrane (8-2) is located inside or outside the tubular member.

[0067] The filtration device employing a tubular volume chamber also provides a simplified filtration module structure, has optimized free-flow filtration capabilities, and is capable of maintaining a high throughput during continuous low-pressure and vibration-driven filtration processes, while having a wide range of scaled sizes and being able to filter very small volumes as well as large volumes of fluid using the same general structure. This simple structure is achieved using a limited number of components, allowing the same structure to be used for various device sizes corresponding to feeds of very small volumes as well as much larger volumes. The flexible wall elements are elastic and can adapt to the movement of the liquid to be filtered caused by the vibratory motion and liquid inertia, thus allowing the liquid to be filtered to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the semi-permeable membrane. The filtration device employing a tubular volume chamber is particularly suitable for operations such as fine filtration, microfiltration, and ultrafiltration of liquids using a semi-permeable membrane, where the membrane is typically subject to tangential flow of the feed fluid. The filtration device having a tubular volume chamber is also useful in operations that require robust, hygienic, and fouling-resistant continuous filtration, and the filtration device can be configured to filter various fluid volumes, such as volumes as small as about 100 mL and scalable to filter larger volumes, such as 100 m3. Another significant advantage is that the filtration data for small test volumes obtained using the filtration device of the present invention can be easily extrapolated to larger industrial-type volumes using an upgraded version of the filtration device. The filtration device having a tubular volume chamber is easy to manipulate and move and can be easily used in conjunction with other process equipment.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the filtration module is as described in WO2018145714, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] In yet another additional or alternative embodiment, the filtration module (2-3) includes a filter plate assembly (22-3), wherein the volume chamber (3-3) is configured to expand and / or compress the volume of the volume chamber (3-3) when the filtration module is subjected to a vibratory motion, thereby allowing the liquid in the volume chamber to move across the surface of the filter plate. More specifically, in this embodiment

[0070] a) the filter plate assembly (22-3) includes a plurality of rigid planar filter plates (23-3), the rigid planar filter plates including one or more permeate channels (24-3) and one or more permeate outlets (6-3);

[0071] b) the one or more permeate outlets (6-3) extend perpendicular to the filter plate assembly (22-3) and through the drain chamber (4-3), the permeate outlets being configured to allow the permeate to leave the drain chamber (4-3);

[0072] c) the filter plate assembly (22-3) is rigidly mounted inside the filtration module (2-3);

[0073] d) the volume chamber (3-3) includes: at least one feed inlet (5-3), the feed inlet being configured to allow the retentate stream to enter the volume chamber (3-3), and at least one retentate outlet (7-3), which is configured to allow the retentate stream to leave the volume chamber (3-3);

[0074] e) at least two flexible wall elements (9-3) are located at the distal ends of each end of the volume chamber (3-3), such that when the filtration device (1-3) is subjected to a vibratory motion, the flexibility of the wall elements allows the liquid to be filtered in the volume chamber (3-3) to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the planar semipermeable membrane (8-3); and

[0075] The filtering device further includes a vibration motor (17-3), the vibration motor having a container (18-3) for mounting the filtering module (2-3), the vibration motor (17-3) being configured to provide a vibrating motion to the filtering module (2-3). In this embodiment, the filtering module may further include through holes ((25-3) for allowing one or more permeate outlets (6-3) to pass from the drain chamber (4-3) through the volume chamber (3-3), wherein the through holes (25-3) structurally secure the filter plate assembly within the filtering module (2-3) while allowing permeate to be discharged from the filter plate assembly (22-3) to the exterior of the filtering module (2-3). In this embodiment, the filtering device may include two or more filtering modules (2-3) that are connected together and are structurally configured to balance vibrations and reduce external vibrations. Additionally, in a particular embodiment, the filtering device of this embodiment may include at least one remix connection (26-3) for homogenizing the liquid to be filtered by directing the retentate from the remix connection (26-3) to another area (27-3) of the filtering module (2-3). The filtering device may also include one or more flexible support or suspension elements (28-3), wherein the filtering module (2-3) is supported by at least one flexible support element (28-3) that allows the filtering module (2-3) to perform a vibrating motion and preferably guides and / or controls the vibrating motion. In some embodiments, the semipermeable membrane in the filter plate assembly may consist of more than one membrane layer, such as in particular a double membrane layer, to achieve more efficient filtration.

[0076] The filtration device employing a filter plate assembly also provides a simplified filtration module structure, with optimized free-flow filtration capabilities, and is capable of maintaining a high throughput during continuous low-pressure and vibration-driven filtration processes. This structure is particularly suitable for large-volume filtration, and due to the assembly structure, using the same general structural configuration, it has a wide range of filtration scaling dimensions. This structure employs a limited number of components, allowing the same structural configuration to be used for multiple device sizes corresponding to feeds of different volumes. The flexible wall elements are elastic and can adapt to the movement of the liquid to be filtered caused by the vibration motion and liquid inertia, thereby allowing the liquid to be filtered to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the semi-permeable membrane. By their relative motion, a turbulent layer is maintained between the filter plate surface and the surrounding liquid, thereby achieving a high permeate flux during continuous filtration. This structure provides an energy-efficient and low-cost device, where the energy efficiency is achieved by directly generating turbulence in the liquid to be filtered on the filter plate surface or the semi-permeable membrane surface, and the turbulence can prevent the semi-permeable membrane from clogging. Therefore, compared with typical cross-flow filtration devices, the energy consumption is greatly reduced. Using the filter plate assembly structure, the liquid to be filtered vibrates relative to the semi-permeable membrane surface while being able to freely pass between the filter plates, thus achieving free-flow filtration, which allows filtering of liquids with high viscosity or even containing large particulate impurities, as long as the liquid does not block the free-flow channels between the plates. Through the vibration motion of the filter plate assembly relative to the medium to be filtered (feed, retentate), optimal turbulence is generated on the filter / membrane surface. The vibration motion results in less fouling and thus better filtration effect, without the need for a rapid cross-flow to generate turbulence on the filter surface in traditional cross-flow filtration.

[0077] In some embodiments, the vibration motor (17) is adapted to provide a vibration motion of linear or circular nature or a combination of both. Specifically, the direction of the vibration motion can be substantially perpendicular to the plane of one or more flexible wall elements (9). The vibration motion can be advantageously transmitted from the vibration motor (17) to the filtration module (2) through an eccentric shaft (29) or through one or more rotating weights. Additionally or alternatively, the filtration device can include two or more filtration modules (2), and the two or more filtration modules (2) are connected to one or more vibration motors. In a preferred embodiment, the direction of the vibration motion provided by the vibration motor is perpendicular to the plane of the flexible wall element (9).

[0078] In a specific embodiment, the surface area of the flexible wall element (9) is 2 cm 2 to 2000 cm 2 , for example 2 cm 2 to 25 cm 2 , for example 25 cm 2 to 50 cm 2 , for example 50 cm 2 to 100 cm 2, such as 100 cm 2 to 250 cm 2 , such as 250 cm 2 to 500 cm 2 , such as 500 cm 2 to 1000 cm 2 , such as 1000 cm 2 to 1500 cm 2 , such as 1500 cm 2 to 2000 cm 2 .

[0079] In additional or alternative embodiments, the thickness of the flexible wall element (9) is from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, such as from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, such as from 1 mm to 2 mm, such as from 2 mm to 3 mm, such as from 3 mm to 4 mm, such as from 4 mm to 5 mm. In a particular embodiment, the flexible wall element is made of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber, has dimensions of 1 x 3 cm and a thickness of 1 mm, while in another embodiment, the flexible wall element is made of EPDM rubber, has dimensions of 3.5 x 20 cm and a thickness of 2 mm.

[0080] In additional or alternative embodiments, the flexible wall element (9) has an elastic modulus similar to that of natural or synthetic rubber, silicone or EPDM, with a similarity within ±30%. In addition, the flexible wall element (9) may include one or more components selected from natural or synthetic rubber, silicone or metal alloy.

[0081] The flexible wall element (9) is preferably connected to the external atmospheric environment through one or more through-holes or channels (30) or open walls in the filtration module.

[0082] Also described herein is a method of filtering a liquid and separating one or more components (permeate) of the liquid from one or more other components (retentate) of the liquid, comprising: feeding the liquid to the filtration device described herein, applying a vibratory motion to the filtration module contained in the filtration device, and collecting the separated retentate and permeate.

[0083] In some embodiments, the inlet feed of the liquid and the vibratory motion are configured to maintain the pressure in the liquid at a maximum of 1 bar, such as a maximum of 0.5 bar, such as between -0.4 bar and 0.4 bar.

[0084] Filtration can be carried out continuously or intermittently, wherein a portion of the filtered liquid is concentrated in the filtration module (2) and the vibratory action maintains the flux through the semi-permeable membrane (8). Additionally or alternatively, filtration can also be carried out as a vibration-driven dead-end filtration operation, wherein a portion of the liquid is concentrated in the filtration module (2) and discharged at the end of the operation or intermittently. In a preferred embodiment, filtration is carried out continuously.

[0085] In some embodiments, the desired components are separated from the undesired components of the inlet feed, and the desired components are discharged through the retentate outlet (7), while the undesired components are discharged through the permeate outlet (6). In other embodiments, the desired components are discharged through the permeate outlet (6), while the undesired components are discharged through the retentate outlet (7).

[0086] The desired components are suitably polypeptides, such as enzymes or pharmaceutical ingredients, while the undesired components are typically biological materials, such as viruses, or microbial cells, such as bacterial or fungal cells or fragments thereof.

[0087] Working Examples

[0088] Example 1 - Low-pressure vibratory filtration using a flat filtration module.

[0089] A 35 cm filter assembly with a 0.2 micron PTFE membrane was installed in the flow chamber of the filtration module, and the filtration module was installed in a vibration drive device. The vibration device was checked for leaks using water at 0.8 bar. At both ends of the volumetric chamber flow path, 2.8 cm thick 1 mm EPDM gaskets defined the flexible walls in the rigid filtration module, and the outside of the flexible wall section was in contact with the outside of the filtration module but was sealed and installed in the retentate volumetric chamber. 2 A 35 cm filter assembly with a 0.2 micron PTFE membrane was installed in the flow chamber of the filtration module, and the filtration module was installed in a vibration drive device. The vibration device was checked for leaks using water at 0.8 bar. At both ends of the volumetric chamber flow path, 2.8 cm thick 1 mm EPDM gaskets defined the flexible walls in the rigid filtration module, and the outside of the flexible wall section was in contact with the outside of the filtration module but was sealed and installed in the retentate volumetric chamber. 2 A 35 cm filter assembly with a 0.2 micron PTFE membrane was installed in the flow chamber of the filtration module, and the filtration module was installed in a vibration drive device. The vibration device was checked for leaks using water at 0.8 bar. At both ends of the volumetric chamber flow path, 2.8 cm thick 1 mm EPDM gaskets defined the flexible walls in the rigid filtration module, and the outside of the flexible wall section was in contact with the outside of the filtration module but was sealed and installed in the retentate volumetric chamber.

[0090] Since the filter had been previously cleaned by CIP, hot water flushing was carried out at 0.1 bar for 10 minutes, and the vibration motor was adjusted to 18 Hz and operated at slow flow, with the retentate outlet partially opened. The device was drained and thoroughly rinsed with water. The device was emptied again, and using water as the medium, in dead-end filtration at 0.1 bar, the vibration motor frequency was 18 Hz, and the retentate outlet was closed. The average flux over a 5-minute period was measured after 10 minutes to be 280 LMH.

[0091] The device was emptied again, and using Rynkeby orange juice as the medium, in dead-end filtration at 0.1 bar, the vibration motor frequency was 18 Hz, and the retentate outlet was closed. The time and the volume of permeate produced were recorded at intervals, and the average flux between the measurement points was calculated. The results are listed in Table 1.

[0092] Table 1:

[0093]

[0094]

[0095] *Average flux between the previous measurement point and the current measurement point

[0096] Re-emptying the device, performing hot water and alkaline CIP cleaning, and regaining the original water flux.

[0097] Re-emptying the device, using Rynkeby orange juice as the medium, in dead-end filtration at 0.1 bar, the vibrating motor stops, and the retentate retention outlet closes. Record the time every 5 ml of permeate produced, and calculate the average flux between the measurement points. The results are listed in Table 2.

[0098] Table 2:

[0099]

[0100]

[0101] * Average flux between the previous measurement point and the current measurement point

[0102] Re-emptying the device, performing hot water and alkaline CIP cleaning, and regaining the original water flux.

[0103] Conclusion: Without vibration, the flux drops very quickly, while 18 Hz vibration with an elastic flexible wall element makes the orange juice filtration faster, and the performance of the filtration module is comparable to that of a larger module using the same membrane. At the same transmembrane pressure of 0.1 bar, the performance of the filtration module is comparable to similar tests conducted on the prior art closed air cushion filtration module.

[0104] List of numbers and reference signs

[0105] (1), (1-1), (1-2), (1-3): Filtration device

[0106] (2), (2-1), (2-2), (2-3): Filtration module

[0107] (3), (3-1), (3-2), (3-3): Volume chamber

[0108] (4), (4-1), (4-2), (4-3): Drainage chamber

[0109] (5), (5-1), (5-2), (5-3): Feed inlet

[0110] (6), (6-1), (6-2), (6-3): Permeate outlet

[0111] (7), (7-1), (7-2), (7-3): Retentate outlet

[0112] (8), (8-1), (8-2), (8-3): Semipermeable membrane

[0113] (9), (9-1), (9-2), (9-3): Flexible wall element

[0114] (10), (10-1), (10-2), (10-3): Module Component I

[0115] (11), (11-1), (11-2), (11-3): Module Component II

[0116] (12), (12-1), (12-2), (12-3): Module Component III

[0117] (13), (13-1), (13-2), (13-3): Module Component IV

[0118] (14), (14-1), (14-2), (14-3): Module Component V

[0119] (15), (15-1), (15-2), (15-3): Module Component VI

[0120] (16), (16-1), (16-2), (16-3): Module Component VII

[0121] (17), (17-1), (17-2), (17-3): Vibration Motor

[0122] (18), (18-1), (18-2), (18-3): Container

[0123] (19), (19-1), (19-2), (19-3): Flexible Washer

[0124] (20), (20-1), (20-2), (20-3): Rigid Wall

[0125] (21), (21-1), (21-2), (21-3): Retention Channel

[0126] (22), (22-1), (22-2), (22-3): Filter Plate Assembly

[0127] (23), (23-1), (23-2), (23-3): Flat Filter Plate

[0128] (24), (24-1), (24-2), (24-3): Permeate Channel

[0129] (25), (25-1), (25-2), (25-3): Through-Hole

[0130] (26), (26-1), (26-2), (26-3): Recirculation Connection

[0131] (27), (27-1), (27-2), (27-3): Other filtration module areas

[0132] (28), (28-1), (28-2), (28-3): Support / hanging elements

[0133] (29), (29-1), (29-2), (29-3): Eccentric shaft

[0134] (30), (30-1), (30-2), (30-3): Outlet or passage leading to the atmosphere from the back of the flexible wall

[0135] (31), (31-1), (31-2), (31-3): Inlet chamber

[0136] (32), (32-1), (32-2), (32-3): Retention outlet chamber

[0137] (33), (33-1), (33-2), (33-3): Permeate collection chamber

[0138] (34), (34-1), (34-2), (34-3): Sealing and fixing potting

[0139] (35), (35-1), (35-2), (35-3): Degassing channel

[0140] (36), (36-1), (36-2), (36-3): Junction point

[0141] (37), (37-1), (37-2), (37-3): Plate perforation

Claims

1. A filtering device (1) for low-pressure vibrating filtration of liquids, comprising one or more filtering modules (2), each filtering module comprising: a) A volume chamber (3) that includes an inlet (5) for the liquid to be filtered and an outlet (7) for the retentate; b) A drainage chamber (4) that is fluidly connected to the volume chamber (3) and includes an outlet (6) for the permeate; c) A semipermeable membrane (8) that separates the volume chamber from the drainage chamber and allows one or more components of the liquid (permeate) to flow from the volume chamber (3) to the drainage chamber while retaining one or more components of the liquid (retentate) in the volume chamber (3); d) One or more flexible wall elements (9) located at the distal end of at least one end of the volume chamber (3), wherein the flexible wall element is impermeable but contacts the liquid to be filtered on one side and the external atmospheric environment on the other side, thereby separating the liquid from the external atmospheric environment; wherein the volume chamber (3) and the semipermeable membrane are configured such that when the filtration module (2) is subjected to a vibratory motion, the liquid in the volume chamber (3) is allowed to move on the surface of the semipermeable membrane; wherein the volume chamber (3) and the flexible wall element are configured to stretch or contract the flexible wall element, which stretching or contraction is determined by the pressure of the liquid applied to the flexible wall element when the filtration module is subjected to a vibratory motion; and wherein the filtration device further includes a vibration motor (17) having a container (18) for mounting the filtration module (2), and the vibration motor (17) is configured to provide a vibratory motion to the filtration module (2).

2. The filtering device according to claim 1, wherein, The volume chamber (3-1) is flat and formed between two or more fitting module components (10 and 11), and the semipermeable membrane (8) is planar.

3. The filtering device according to claim 2, wherein a) The filtering module (2-1) comprises at least two fitting parts, the parts (10-1) and (11-1) being configured to be joined along an edge to together form a flat volume chamber (3-1); b) The part (10-1) includes the feed inlet (5-1) at one end and the residue outlet (7-1) at the opposite end; c) The part (10-1) further includes at least two flexible wall elements (9), which are flush with the plane of the flat volume chamber (3-1) and spaced apart, for example, respectively at each (far end) end of the volume chamber (3-1) and near the feed inlet (5-1) and the residue outlet (7-1), so that when the filtering module (2-1) is subjected to a vibrating motion, the flexibility of the wall elements allows the liquid to be filtered in the volume chamber (3-1) to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1); and d) The part (11-1) includes the permeate outlet (6-1) and the drainage chamber (4-1), and the flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1) covers the drainage chamber (10-1) and is fluid-tight between the drainage chamber (4-1) and the volume chamber (3-1).

4. The filtering device according to claim 1, wherein a) The filtering module (2-1) comprises at least two fitting parts, the parts (12-1) and (13-1) being configured to be joined along an edge to together form a flat volume chamber (3-1), b) The part (12-1) includes the feed inlet (5-1) at one end and the residue outlet (7-1) at the opposite end, and is located between the flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1) and the drainage chamber (4-1); c) The surface of the flat semi-permeable membrane (11-1) forms one side of the volume chamber and is located on top of the drainage chamber (4-1), and the top of the drainage chamber is located in the cavity of the part (12-1), and this cavity is connected to the permeate outlet (6-1); d) The planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1) is sealed along its edge and combined with the component (12-1); e) The component (13-1) includes at least two flexible wall elements (9), which are flush with the plane of the flat volume chamber and are spaced apart, for example, at the distal ends of each end of the volume chamber. Thus, when the filtration module (2-1) is subjected to a vibratory motion, the flexibility of the wall elements allows the liquid to be filtered in the volume chamber (3-1) to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1); and f) The component (12-1) includes the permeate outlet (6-1), the drainage chamber (4-1), and the planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1). The planar semi-permeable membrane covers the drainage chamber (4-1) and is fluid-sealed between the drainage chamber (4-1) and the volume chamber (3-1).

5. The filtration device according to claim 1, wherein a) The filtration module (2-1) includes at least 2 flat volume chambers (3-1), and each volume chamber is configured with one or more drainage chambers (10-1) and one or more planar semi-permeable membranes (8-1). The planar semi-permeable membranes separate the volume chamber from the drainage chamber, allowing one or more components of the liquid (permeate) to be transferred from the volume chamber to the drainage chamber while retaining one or more components of the liquid (retentate) in the volume chamber; b) The filtration module (2-1) includes 3 matching components, component 14-1, component 15-1, and component 18-1; Component 18-1 is located between component 14-1 and component 15-1; c) Each of components 14-1 and 15-1 includes a feed inlet (5-1), a retentate outlet (7-1), two flexible wall elements (9-1), a planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1), a drainage chamber (4-1), and a permeate outlet (9-1); d) Component 16-1 includes a feed inlet (5-1), a retentate outlet (7-1), two planar semi-permeable membranes (8-1), two drainage chambers (10-1), and a permeate outlet (9-1); e) The surface of the planar semi-permeable membrane (11-1) forms one side of the volume chamber (3-1) and is located on top of the drainage chamber (4-1) and is connected to the permeate discharge port (9-1); f) The planar semi-permeable membrane (8-1) is sealed along its edge and combined with components 14-1, 15-1, and 18-1; g) The flexible wall element (9-1) is flush with and spaced from the flat volume chamber plane, for example at the distal ends of each end of the volume chamber, so that when the filtration module (2-1) is subjected to vibratory motion, the flexibility of the wall element allows the liquid to be filtered in the volume chamber (3-1) to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1); and h) The flat semi-permeable membrane (8-1) covering the drain chamber (10-1) is fluid-tight between the drain chamber (10-1) and the volume chamber (3-1).

6. The filtration device according to claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the two flexible wall elements (9-1) includes a flexible gasket (19-1) that seals the two flexible wall elements (9-1) to the volume chamber, and the remaining walls (20-1) of the volume chamber are rigid.

7. The filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the volume chamber (3-2), the drain chamber (4-2), and the semi-permeable membrane (8-2) are all or partially tubular.

8. The filtration device according to claim 1 or 7, wherein a) Each of the tubular volume chambers (3-2) is wholly or partly surrounded by a tubular semi-permeable membrane, which is wholly or partly surrounded by the drain chamber (4-2); b) At least two flexible wall elements (9-2) are located at the distal ends of each end of the one or more volume chambers; and c) The feed inlet (5-2) and the retentate outlet (7-2) are located at the distal ends of the ends of the tubular volume chamber (3-2) and are close to the two flexible wall elements (9-2).

9. The filtration device according to claim 1 or 7 to 8, further comprising a retentate channel (21-2).

10. The filtration device according to claim 1 or 7 to 9, further comprising a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump or an axial flow pump for pumping the permeate and / or the retentate out of the filtration module (2-2).

11. The filtration device according to claim 10, wherein the positive displacement pump is a peristaltic pump.

12. The filtration device according to claim 1 or 7 to 9, wherein each of the two flexible wall elements (9-2) includes a flexible gasket (19-2) that seals the two flexible wall elements (9-2) to the volume chamber, and the remaining walls (20-2) of the volume chamber are rigid.

13. The filtration device according to claim 1 or claims 7 to 12, wherein the cross-section of the volume chamber (3-2) and / or the drainage chamber (4-2) is circular, elliptical or polygonal, such as triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal or hexagonal, and wherein the semi-permeable membrane (8-2) is located inside or outside the tubular member.

14. The filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the filtration module (2-3) comprises a filtration plate assembly (22-3), and wherein the volume chamber (3-3) is configured to expand and / or compress the volume of the volume chamber (3-3), thereby allowing the liquid in the volume chamber to move on the surface of the filtration plate when the filtration module is subjected to a vibratory motion.

15. The filtration device according to claim 14 a) wherein the filtration plate assembly (22-3) comprises a plurality of rigid planar filtration plates (23-3), the rigid planar filtration plates comprising one or more permeate channels (24-3) and one or more permeate outlets (6-3); b) wherein the one or more permeate outlets (6-3) extend perpendicular to the filtration plate assembly (22-3) and pass through the drainage chamber (4-3), the permeate outlets being configured to allow the permeate to leave the drainage chamber (4-3); c) wherein the filtration plate assembly (22-3) is rigidly mounted inside the filtration module (2-3); d) wherein the volume chamber (3-3) comprises: At least one inlet (5-3) configured to allow the retentate stream to enter the volume chamber (3-3), and at least one outlet (7-3) configured to allow the retentate stream to leave the volume chamber (3-3); and e) wherein at least two flexible wall elements (9-3) are located at the distal end of each end of the volume chamber (3-3), so that when the filtration module (2-3) is subjected to a vibratory motion, the flexibility of the wall elements allows the liquid to be filtered in the volume chamber (3-3) to move parallel (back and forth) relative to the surface of the planar semipermeable membrane (8-3).

16. The filtration device according to claims 14 to 15, wherein the filtration module (2-3) comprises a through-hole (25-3) adapted for one or more permeate outlets (6-3) to pass from the drainage chamber (4-3) through the volume chamber (3-3), wherein the through-hole structurally rigidly fixes the filtration plate assembly in the filtration module (2-3) while allowing the permeate to be discharged from the filtration plate assembly (22-3) to outside the filtration module (2-3).

17. The filtration device according to claims 14 to 16, comprising two or more filtration modules (2-3) connected and structurally configured to balance vibrations and reduce external vibrations.

18. The filtration device according to claims 14 to 21, further comprising at least one remixing connection (26-3) for homogenizing the liquid to be filtered by guiding the retained matter from the remixing connection (26-3) through the connection (26-3) to another area (27-3) of the filtration module (2-3).

19. The filtration device according to claims 14 to 18 further comprises at least one flexible support or suspension element (28-3), wherein the filtration module (2-3) is supported by the at least one flexible support element (28-3) and allows vibratory movement of the filtration module (2-3), and wherein optionally the at least one flexible support (6-3) guides the vibratory movement.

20. The filtration device according to claims 14 to 19, wherein the semi-permeable membrane (8-3) separating the volume chamber (3-3) from the drainage chamber (4-3) comprises two membrane layers.

21. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration motor (17) is adapted to provide a vibratory movement of linear or circular nature or a combination of both.

22. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the direction of the vibratory movement is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the one or more flexible wall elements (9).

23. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration motor (17) provides the vibratory movement to the filtration module (2) via an eccentric shaft (29) or via one or more rotating weights.

24. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more filtration modules (2), the two or more filtration modules (2) being connected to one or more vibration motors.

25. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the direction of the vibratory movement is perpendicular to the plane of the flexible wall element (9).

26. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface area of the flexible wall element (9) is between 2 cm 2 and 2000 cm 2 in between.

27. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the flexible wall element (9) is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

28. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the similarity of the elastic modulus of the flexible wall element (9) to natural or synthetic rubber, silicone or EPDM is within ±30%.

29. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible wall element (9) comprises one or more components selected from natural or synthetic rubber, silicone or metal alloy.

30. The filtration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible wall element (9) is connected to the external atmospheric environment through one or more through-holes or channels (30) in the filtration module or through the open wall of the filtration module.

31. A method for filtering a liquid and separating one or more components of the liquid (permeate) from one or more other components of the liquid (retentate), comprising feeding the liquid to a filtration device according to claims 1 to 29, applying a vibratory motion to the filtration module comprised in the filtration device, and collecting the separated retentate and permeate.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the inlet feed and the vibratory motion are configured to maintain the pressure in the liquid at a maximum of 0.5 bar, optionally between -0.4 bar and 0.4 bar.

33. The method according to claims 31 to 32, wherein the filtration is carried out continuously or intermittently, wherein a portion of the filtered liquid is concentrated in the filtration module (2) and the vibratory action maintains the flux through the semipermeable membrane (8).

34. The method according to claims 31 to 32, wherein the filtration is carried out as a vibration-driven dead-end filtration operation, wherein a portion of the liquid is concentrated in the filtration module (2) and discharged at the end of the operation or intermittently.

35. The method according to claims 31 to 32, wherein the filtration is carried out continuously.

36. The method according to claims 31 to 35, wherein a desired component is separated from an undesired component of the inlet feed, and wherein the desired component is discharged through the retentate outlet (7) while the undesired component is discharged through the permeate outlet (6).

37. The method according to claims 31 to 35, wherein a desired component is separated from an undesired component of the inlet feed, and wherein the desired component is discharged through the permeate outlet (6) while the undesired component is discharged through the retentate outlet (7).

38. The method according to claims 36 to 37, wherein the desired component is a polypeptide, such as an enzyme or a pharmaceutical ingredient.

39. The method according to claims 36 to 37, wherein the undesired component is selected from biological materials, such as viruses, bacteria or fungal cells or fragments thereof.

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